Hodges Dean to speak to Workforce Development focus group

Posted on: 06/04/2012

Hodges University will host the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board’s healthcare industry focus group, to be held on Tuesday, June 5, beginning at 1:30pm at the Hodges Fort Myers campus. Dr. Carlene Harrison, Dean of the School of Allied Health at Hodges will be one of the guest speakers invited to participate.

The forum will gather leaders of the local healthcare industry as well as local healthcare educators in order to discuss ways to support and produce a highly-skilled workforce that meets the short and long term employment needs of our community’s healthcare businesses.

“This is the result of the hard work between local educators and Workforce Development,” said Dr. Harrison. “Healthcare educators were invited to some initial meetings to get an idea of what healthcare industry leaders stated were deficiencies within their workforce, and what their needs may be in the future, including skills and job openings. This gave educators a clear picture of the kinds of curriculum that will be helpful to fill gaps in the local workforce.

“A comprehensive report was issued earlier this year by Workforce Development, and much of that information will be discussed at this upcoming focus group. I’m looking forward to an open discussion between regional leaders of healthcare industry, healthcare education, and economic and workforce development partners.”

There is no charge to attend the forum, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Bernice Kertavage, Southwest Florida Workforce Development, at (239) 225-2500. Hodges University is located at 4501 Colonial Blvd. at Winkler, in Fort Myers.